𝐃𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐄 ╍╍ 𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐒𝐎𝐍

03, ALL WITH YOU

"Mum." Mariane said, making room for her as Clea sat down beside her. Mariane went for a hug, even though Clea had started to open her arms to invite Mariane in.

"I've missed you." Clea gently held both of Mariane's cheeks, looking into her eyes with affection.

It's been a while since Clea and Mariane had their mother-daughter date. They've both been really busy with their own missions and haven't had time to sit down and have brunch together.

Neither of them had much freedom. Clea had to go to the Dark Dimension and couldn't stay on Earth for long. The longest she stayed was only about a month.

Meanwhile, Mariane was busy helping Wong fix the realities of other universes, and the Young Avengers with finding Yelena's missing widows.

"Me too," Mariane sighed, "Especially on days when Dad and I argue, I miss you even more."

"I understand." Clea turned to look at the road, and Mariane glanced at her, figuring out she knows.

"How did you—Oh, Dad must have told you." Mariane rolls her eyes – knowing her father might have sought to Clea; probably telling her how angry he is.

Clea chuckled a bit; now it was her turn to catch a glimpse of her daughter.

She had a frown that looked exactly like Stephen's; Clea had a talk with Stephen about this, discussing how hypocritical it was for him to forbid Mariane from going to Earth-9. Despite Stephen having personally visited Earth-9 and meeting Mariane's guardian, he was amazed to find Batman in another universe.

Well, it isn't that strange that we have Spiderman and Antman in this universe.

Clea discovered that Stephen was afraid, fearing that Mariane might forget about him and her original family. Clea had to snap Stephen out of this thought, reminding him that Mariane is better than that.

"Stephen, I wasn't' through all of the times when Mariane was a child, yet she still remembers me, gave me love and most of all, she gave me a second chance. What makes you think she would forget about you?"

"He's just scared, you know how your Dad is." Clea gave Mariane a knowing look, and Mariane rolled her eyes.

"That's Dad for you," Mariane said. "But still, he didn't even listen to my explanation and just cut me off like that." Mariane turned fully toward Clea. "And the fact that I'm turning 29 next year, and he treats me like I'm a child! Come on!"

Clea couldn't help but snort; it was kind of ridiculous.

"It's not funny, Mum!"

Clea chuckled. "I know, I know, I'm sorry! But it's just ridiculous."

"See!" Mariane's hands were flailing, and Clea had to calm her down, nodding in understanding.

"Well," Clea sighed softly, "Now, I want you to listen to me carefully, alright?"

Mariane noticed Clea's serious expression for a moment.

"I just want you to be happy, you know that," Clea said with a gulp. "But all I'm asking is for you to come back to your Dad during holidays – and the next one is Christmas."

Mariane tried to figure out what Clea meant, but being smart; she quickly realised what Clea was saying, and she had a big smile on her face.

"Oh my god, are you letting me go to Earth-9!? Oh my god, Mum! Thank you, thank you!" Mariane didn't let Clea say anything before jumping onto Clea's arm, and they both giggled as they hugged.

"But!" Clea raised a finger after they let go. "You have to wait for a talk with your Dad."

Mariane couldn't help but groan loudly.